Even a little bit of Nash 'worth it'

Rautins said yesterday that the door has yet to close on getting the former NBA MVP back into a Canadian uniform in time for the FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas next month.
"Ideally, it would be a no- pressure situation," the Canadian men's basketball coach said. "If he does play, it will be a limited-minutes situation. We don't need to tax him. Just his leadership and confidence would be more than enough.
"What he can give in limited time is well worth it."
Rautins stressed that he wouldn't pressure Nash into playing and would understand if he turned down the opportunity.
'OBLIGATION TO FANS'
"He has an obligation to his fans now as an MVP," the coach said. "He won't even entertain the idea unless he has got enough time to be physically ready (for the 2007-08 NBA season).
"I completely understand. He has played a lot of years with this team. He has had back problems. He has a young family and it's a long NBA season. Whatever he decides, it's up to him. But the fact that he hasn't closed the door is a positive."
Rautins said he is also working on the recruitment of two more NBAers -- Toronto's Jamal Magloire and Philadelphia 76ers' Samuel Dalambert, a 6-foot-11 centre who is working on acquiring his Canadian citizenship.
The uncertainty of the NBA trio has an effect on how Rautins and assistant coach Dave Smart evaluate the play in this week's Pan Ams. So far, Canada has suffered blowout losses to Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Rautins said a handful of players from the Rio roster could be in Vegas as Canada attempts to earn a berth in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.